How to permanently remove GetApps on Xiaomi Redmi 5: from blackout to deep cleaning

The GetApps app on Xiaomi Redmi 5 is often a source of annoyance for users, not only taking up space in the device’s memory, but also constantly sending notifications, slowing down the system and consuming traffic in the background. Despite being system software from Xiaomi, it can be disabled, hidden or removed – even without superuser rights (root).

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods relevant to Redmi 5 on the Internet. MIUI 9–14, including hidden settings, ADB-Importantly, some of the ways you do this require caution -- wrong actions can cause firmware to malfunction. We'll explain in detail how to do this safely and what to do if something goes wrong.

Why is GetApps interfering with Redmi 5?

GetApps is Xiaomi’s branded app and themes store pre-installed on all of the brand’s devices. On Redmi 5 (2017 model year), it’s particularly problematic for several reasons:

• 📱 Continuous notifications of new themes, games and “recommendations” that cannot be disabled by standard means.
• 🐢 Slowing down: the application runs in the background, consuming up to 10-15% CPU and 200-300 MB of RAM.
• 📶 Traffic without the user’s knowledge: downloads themes and banners even when the mobile Internet is turned off (via Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Automatic Recovery: After resetting settings or updating MIUI appendix returns.

According to tests on Redmi 5 with MIUI 12, GetApps can increase the boot time of the system by 20-30% due to background processes, especially on devices with full memory (less than 1 GB of free space).

⚠️ Warning: Complete removal of GetApps without root rights can lead to errors in the work MIUI If you use a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher), the risks are minimal.

Method 1: Disconnect via settings (without root)

The safest method is to deactivate the app in the settings. This won't delete it completely, but will stop background activity and notifications.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type GetApps (or Theme Store).
3. Select the app and click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• ✅ The icon will disappear from the main screen.
• ✅ Notifications will stop coming.
• ❌ Application files will remain in memory (~50–70 MB).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 10 for Redmi 5) the Disconnect button can be blocked. In this case, proceed to the next method.

💡

If the “Disable” button is inactive, try to clear the cache and application data first (the “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data” buttons in the same menu).

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

For advanced users, there is a method of removing through Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It does not require root rights, but you need to:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging.
2. Connect Redmi 5 to your PC and confirm your trust in your phone.
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
4. Run the command to delete GetApps: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks For MIUI 12+, an additional command may be required: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.miservice

If the command is successful, the application will be removed for the current user (without damaging the system files).

Method 3: Hiding the icon through the launcher

If you can't remove or disable GetApps, you can just hide its icon, and it won't stop the background, but at least it will remove the visual stimulus.

Coverage options:

• 📱 Standard launcher MIUI: Press the GetApps icon. Drag it up to Remove (not to be confused with complete removal!). Confirm the action.
• 🛠️ Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex): Install the launcher from Google Play. → Choose Hide or Remove from the Screen.

Hidden applications folder:

1. Create a folder on the main screen.
2. Move GetApps and other unnecessary icons there.
3. Rename the folder to ". (dot) so that it becomes invisible.

The downside is that the application will continue to work in the background. To stop completely, combine this method with the shutdown via settings (Method 1).

Method 4: Blocking through a firewall (without root)

If GetApps interferes with background traffic, it can be blocked at the network level.

1. Install NetGuard from Google Play.
2. Open the app and turn on the switch at the top.
3. Find it in the GetApps list or com.xiaomi.mipicks.
4. Turn off the Wi-Fi sliders and Mobile data.
5. Activate the option to Block when roaming (if necessary).

After the lockdown:

• ✅ The application will not be able to download updates and banners.
• ✅ Notifications for new topics will stop coming.
• ❌ The application itself will remain in the system (but will become passive).

Alternative firewalls:

• 🔥 NoRoot Firewall – works on the same principle.
• 🛡️ AFWall+ — It requires rooting but gives you more control.

💡

Network locking is the only way to stop background activity from GetApps without deleting or disabling, and is suitable for users who are afraid of "breaking" the system.

Method 5: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you're willing to root Redmi 5, you can delete GetApps forever. This method is risky: wrong actions can lead to a bootloop.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) for Redmi 5 (Rosy model).
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to delete: /system/priv-app/MiPick/system/priv-app/MiService
5. Reset the device.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ The warranty will be cancelled after unlocking the bootloader.
• ⚠️ Risk of “bricking” (turning the phone into a “brick”) with firmware errors.
• ⚠️ OTA-Updates will stop working – you will have to install firmware manually.

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to stop at the method. 1 or 2. For Redmi. 5 s MIUI 9–11 There are ready-made patches in.zip format that can be stitched through TWRP without manual file deletion. Example: patch Disable_MiPick.zip from developer ywzhaiqi (see the forum) XDA Developers).

What if GetApps is back after the update?

Once the MIUI is updated via OTA or snap, GetApps can recover.

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update system. Click on three dots in the top right corner. → Settings. Turn off Automatic Booting over Wi-Fi.

Delete the update cache:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find System Update.
3. Clear the cache and data.
4. 🔧 Use Magisk modules: For root devices, there are modules like MIUI Bloater Removers that block system application recovery.

Risks:

• Some MIUI features may stop working (e.g. sync with Mi Account).
• After resetting the settings, the application will return.

For root users:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.mipicks